Forest Road 4723

Forest Road 4723

Usa, north-america

Length

1 km

Elevation

3,240 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Want a quick thrill in the Utah mountains? Forest Road 4723 in San Juan County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a short but seriously high mountain road, one of Utah's loftiest, topping out at a lung-busting 10,629 feet.

Clocking in at just over half a mile, don't let the short distance fool you. This gravel track can get pretty gnarly with rocks and tricky sections. And heads up: the weather here is WILD. It can change on a dime, and closures are common. Four-wheel drive isn't just recommended; it's essential. Seriously, only tackle this when it's dry. Wet or dark conditions turn this from a challenge into a nightmare. If you've got any breathing issues or heart problems, maybe skip this one. The altitude and extreme weather are no joke, any time of year. But if you're prepared, the views will take your breath away (in a good way!).

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
1 km
Max Elevation
3,240 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Elk Camp Summithard

Elk Camp Summit

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, let’s talk about Elk Camp Summit in Pitkin County, Colorado! We're talking serious altitude here – 11,348 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Elk Camp Road is a rocky, gravel path, and it's actually a service road for a chairlift. Translation: steep! Think loose stones, and as you climb, it gets even steeper and rockier. Timing is everything – you’ve got a tiny window in late summer (think late August) to tackle this beast. Be prepared for wind – it's almost always howling up there. Seriously, even in summer, you could get a surprise snow day. Winter? Forget about it, it’s brutally cold. Oh, and did I mention the 30% inclines on some parts? This ski-station service road is definitely a challenge, but the views at the top? Totally worth it!

Can I drive to Lava Point Overlook in Zion National Park?moderate

Can I drive to Lava Point Overlook in Zion National Park?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure awaits! Let me tell you about Lava Point Overlook in Zion National Park, Utah. This hidden gem sits way up high at almost 7,900 feet, offering seriously epic views. You'll find it in the Kolob Terrace section, a bit off the beaten path. The road in? It's a roughly 1.7-mile unpaved stretch called Lava Point Road, winding along a ridge carved out by an old lava flow. Don't worry, you don't need a fancy off-roader; most cars can handle it. Just take it slow and enjoy the ride. Word to the wise: this road is usually closed in winter, so plan your trip between May and September. Trust me, it's worth it, especially for sunset. They say Lava Point is *the* place in Zion to watch the sun dip below the horizon. And the best part? It's usually way less crowded than the other viewpoints, so you can soak it all in without the hordes.

Brasstown Bald is the highest road in the US state of Georgiamoderate

Brasstown Bald is the highest road in the US state of Georgia

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Brasstown Bald! This mountain peak in Georgia is a must-see. Perched right on the Towns and Union county line, it's the highest point in the whole state at 4,784 feet. Locals used to call it Mount Enotah, which has a nice ring to it, right? Getting to the top is an adventure in itself. You'll be cruising up Georgia State Route 180 Spur, a paved road that gets seriously steep. There's even a little gravel section where another trail crosses, just to keep things interesting. The climb kicks off from the junction with Georgia 180 and stretches for about 3 miles. Don't let the distance fool you—you're gaining a whopping 1,808 feet in elevation! That’s an average grade of 11.2%, earning it the nickname "Alpe d'Huez of North America." Up top, you're rewarded with incredible views from a five-story lookout tower. The whole area is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, so you know the scenery is going to be epic. And for those who want to learn more, there's an 8,000 sq. ft. museum with cool exhibits. Need a souvenir? The gift shop in the parking lot has you covered with forest-themed goodies and local crafts. On a clear day, you can see for miles – we're talking up to 80 miles! You'll be able to spot parts of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And on those super clear days in late September and October? You might even catch a glimpse of the Atlanta skyline. Word to the wise: check the weather before you head out. This area has its own microclimate, so fog, mist, and storms can roll in unexpectedly. If the weather's bad, the gates will be closed. But if you time it right, the 360-degree views from Brasstown Bald are totally worth the trip.

Where is Goose Lake?extreme

Where is Goose Lake?

🇺🇸 Usa

Goose Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.570m (11,712ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. This drive is worth it, but be forewarned of the difficulty. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico The lake is located in the northern part of New Mexico, within the Carson National Forest, to the south of Gold Hill peak. Can you drive to Goose Lake in NM? The road to the lake is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 486 (Goose Lake Road). Is the road to Goose Lake in NM challenging? The road is extremely steep and rough in places. It’s not a road for you if you are nervous about other people driving in tricky situations - steep/rough roads. The road is pretty challenging, with a water crossing (it can be deep) and a short narrow section of shelf road that might be difficult for an inexperienced driver or someone who doesn't do well with heights. There is an old goldmine and general store along the way up. Be sure to keep an eye out for remnants of mining activity and abandoned cabins along the trail. Can I drive my vehicle to Goose Lake in NM? Full-size pickups will have trouble due to narrow passages. Be cautious: the road is very narrow. 4x4 vehicle required, not recommended for a stock SUV. Camper trailers are not allowed due to narrow one-way road sections and steep drop-offs. Set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico, this grueling high mountain road is usually impassable in winters. How long is the road to Goose Lake in NM? Starting at Red River, a resort town, the road is 11.58 km (7.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 913 meters. The average gradient is 7.88%. When is the best time to drive to Goose Lake in NM? The road ends in the Goose Lake parking lot, an ample parking lot close to the lake. Traffic can be heavy during the summer months, and on a summer weekend, the parking lot, which holds several cars, is full very early. The best time to visit the lake is in the summer and fall. Pic: Ozark Overland Adventures Baxter Pass: Ultimate 4wd Destination in Colorado Driving the enthralling Notom-Bullfrog Road in Capitol Reef NP Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.